Clean up your skin products for the New Year

Health-conscious readers, check it out!

Skin products – makeup, body care, sunscreen – can be a sneaky source of toxins and chemicals. And here we are, applying them directly on our skin! In a nutshell, the US only bans 30 toxic chemicals from skin products; Beautycounter bans 1500. One of my long time friends Ashley Wilson recently got involved with BeautyCounter. Since she’s a nurse, a smarty pants, and super conscious about her household products, I wanted to share her discoveries with you.

Just in time for your New Years Resolution.

Rachel: So, tell my readers a little about you?

Ashley: I am a Vancouverite, a Registered Nurse (RN) at Canuck Place Hospice and a mom of two awesome, energetic children, 4.5 year old girl and a 1 year old boy. I have traveled extensively and have recently been focused on my kiddos.

Rachel: What got you interested in the quality of household products? 

Ashley: Many years ago now,  I read an article about Respiratory Therapists (RTs) in the hospital getting pulmonary diseases and it was traced to the nebulized medications they were giving. When you administer medications as a mist, you are frequently standing around the person and many times holding the mask on the person. I did this with countless of my paediatric patients. The study was of RTs, but RNs also give these medications. I became concerned about the chemicals I was being exposed to and inhaling. That which helps sick lungs could damage healthy ones. It was then that I noticed that as I was liberally spraying Windex in my bathroom that I could taste the chemicals.

Rachel: Ew.

Ashley: Yeah! I started thinking about how much I must be inhaling in this small room. This got me thinking about all the chemicals I use in my home and how much I am inhaling, absorbing or inadvertently eating. I started putting my toothbrush away while I sprayed the mirror. I wondered about when I  scrubbed my tub with chemicals, how much is rinsed away and how much is added to my next bath. I did a little research and easily found alternatives for cleaning. I switched to vinegar and baking soda and have never looked back. However, when it came to beauty care products and detergents, I found that more difficult.

Rachel: Why?

Ashley: There is a list of the dirty dozen that you have to make sure are not in your products. I  found it hard to remember what I should avoid and even harder to find the list of  ingredients on many of the products. On top of that, my daughter wants to play with makeup and I can’t bring myself to put anything on her. 

Rachel: How did you get involved in Beauty Counter?

Ashley: I was introduced to Beautycounter from my friend Jen Steidl. She lives in Seattle and also a nurse and we have known each other a long time and had many adventures. Her two friends – a Chiropractor a Naturopath – got her involved. Jen told me about the founder and CEO Gregg Renfrew. Gregg (a woman) went through a similar process as myself of wanted to rid her home of chemicals. Her awareness was sparked after watching the documentary,  The Inconvenient Truth. This led her to being appalled by what was happening in the beauty industry.  

Rachel: Why, what’s going on in the beauty industry?

Ashley: In the United States, only 30 toxic chemicals have been banned. The last time legislation was changed was in 1938 when a woman went blind from an eyelash thickening treatment!  Canada is better: 600 toxic chemicals have been banned. The United Kingdom bans 1400. But Beautycounter bans 1500, and these 1500 chemicals comprises Beautycounter’s Never List. This list continues to grow.

Rachel: Whoa. That’s insane!  Are these chemicals really that bad?

Ashley: They are hormone disruptors, and some are connected to infertility and cause cancer. Even with chemicals banned, regulating the companies is minimal. The governments don’t have the manpower. In addition, there are many loopholes companies can get around the regulations, such as listing fragrance. This is a big warning sign on any label. Fragrance can encompassed anything and not be monitored (it is seen as their secret recipe). Complaints can be made and not have to be reported to the government agency.

Rachel: Yikes. So you joined their team?

Ashley: I want to be with a company that is making a change and that is being a disruptor. I also want a side hustle that I believe in. 🙂 

Rachel: Why do you like Beautycounter?

Beautycounter considers people, planet and profits equally. They are not just leading the way by making safer beauty care; they want to change the laws. They are going to DC and Ottawa and working on getting legislations changed. They want transparency and are being leaders. They are making a difference. They recently joined with Tuft University to support independent research.

Rachel: Okay, that sounds good. 

Ashley: I love the mission. The number one goal of Beautycounter is to educate. Also, it’s easy. I can order from my home. And if I don’t like it, I can return what I bought and I have 60 days to do so.

Rachel: What are your fave products?

Ashley: I love the products!! I love the cleansing balm, I love the body scrub and I love the dew skin foundation. What really got me interested was the sunscreen. It is great and fantastic for my kids.  Beautycounter is always coming out with new eye shadow palettes and lip gloss colours. Christy Coleman is a celebrity makeup artist that is on the team to bring in expert knowledge and gives awesome tips. There is a skincare regime for everyone. And make up… All the make up you would ever need.

Rachel: Okay, give us the skinny. What should people do to find out more?

Ashley: Check them out online. There is a ton of information on their website. You can be a client, hold a social, become a member, or partner with me.  I would love to be your consultant. You pay $25 USD per year to be a member, and you get free shipping after $100 USD and 15% product credit and special offers. A social is where you invite a few friends to your home or coffee shop and I can tell them about Beautycounter and our mission. As the host, you are eligible for free gifts and 50% of products depending on how much your group buys. Contact me anytime!

Rachel: Awesome. 

 

Embrace the dark: a solstice invitation

Witch, midnight, winter solstice

You may not know this about me, but I used to be a witch.

When I lived in New York City, I was part of a coven. Every Monday night, a group of eight of us would meet in the upstairs room of a Soho studio space. There, we would chant, sing, and laugh our way back to wholeness as we connected back to the deeper rhythms of nature.

As witches, we honoured the natural cycles of the seasons and the world. We watched the phases of the moon, felt the call of the seasons, and oriented our own yearnings and struggles within the larger framework of universal movement.

Inspired by my witchy roots, I wanted to share with you that we are entering a very potent and transformational time of the year.

The Winter Solstice, fast approaching on December 21, is the longest night of the year. This is a magical time: full of darkness, inward movement, and mystery.  This dark time is the perfect for opportunity to bank our own fires, move into quiet contemplation and to let go of old habits, patterns, and behaviours that have been holding us back.

After December 22, we will start moving back into the light. That will be the time to look towards creation and building. However, before we start to build, we must first clear our spiritual space. Like a keen-eyed grandmother, the winter solstice looks us in lovingly in the face and asks us:

What will you now let go of now, to create space for your transformation?

It’s time for you to cull, to divide, to clear. The dark says go inside to your deepest self, ask the hard questions, listen closely to your quiet, wise whispers. The dark asks you to sit in uncertainty, to be brave without the usual landmarks, to step into the deep forest and wait with the night animals to see what happens next.

What will you now let go of now, to create space for your transformation?

Perhaps the answer is pragmatic for you, and it may be time to clean out the closet, the desk to make way for new projects and self-expression. Or perhaps the release is more subtle; it may be time for you to change a negative pattern of behaviour like self-doubt, shame or guilt. Or perhaps something larger is moving, and it’s time to leave your job or relationship.

Answering the call of the dark requires great courage. Standing in the dark requires faith and courage that the light will come. In the next few days, take some quiet time in the dark to invite the earth’s rhythm to move you. Call upon her to help you do what you need to do.

And unfetter yourself for the next wild adventure.

Product Review: Lamose Water Bottle

They folks at Lamose asked me to check out their water bottles. Now, I lose water bottles more easily than a husky sheds fur, so I was more than happy to be gifted one to try out.

I love what they have done.

Here are the pro’s:

  • Textured stainless steel finish (“powdered”) for an easy and sticky grip.
  • 100% stainless steel. No plastic.
  • Double wall insulation keeps cold beverages cool, and hot beverages hot for a very long time.
  • Comfy to drink from. I love the lip of the bottle. That may seem like an odd thing to say, but some water bottle lips feel rather sharp, while some (like the Lamose) feel smooth and full. It is a pleasure to drink from.
  • Designed and started in Canada! Whoo hoooo!
  • Sweet story: “Lamose” stands for Lake – Mountain – Sea. That’s about as charming as you can get.
  • Two different styles (Moraine and Robson) and a range of festive colors.
  • Lifetime warranty.

The price is fairly standard ($28 US/ $35 CAD) for a good quality water bottle these days. If you need a holiday gift idea, check these guys out. I think they’ve made a great product.

I really hope I don’t lose it.

Is Yoga really good for your back?

I hear this question a lot as a physiotherapist. The people who ask me this question range from the skeptical gym rat to the seasoned yoga enthusiasts.

Generally speaking, my answer is yes!

In a 2016 review, yoga was found to be effective in reducing pain and disability, can be performed safely and may improve psychological symptoms. There is an increasing number of spinal problems now that we are tied to our phones and computers. In a 2006 review, the total costs for low back pain in the United States exceeded 100 billion dollars!

As someone whose job it is to improve body mechanics, I believe that yoga can be a positive practice – provided that practitioners know their body’s strengths and weaknesses.

Here are the top three reasons why yoga can be great for your back.

  1. Yoga improves your flexibility and mobility

Moving your whole body in all directions is essential in keeping your joints, muscles and nerves healthy. Learning where you are hypo-mobile (not very mobile) in your body can help you focus your yoga practice on improving your stiff spots. For example, a common stiff area is the thoracic spine, or mid-back. If you are stiff in your mid back, contracting your core more actively in a downward dog can help stiffen your low back and improve your mid back extension.

However, one potential drawback to yoga is that overzealous stretching can lead to injury. If you are already very mobile in an area, pushing further into your range of motion may not be functional or healthy. You can avoid this problem by differentiating where you are “hypermobile” versus where you are “lax”. Hypermobility is movement with control; laxity is movement without control. An example of laxity is a hyperextending knee (hyperextension may show up in standing poses, like triangle or pyramid). For those who are not aware of their own laxity, they might be tempted to push the joint past an optimal range of movement.

One easy way to know you are making already lax joints more lax is listen to your body. When you are pushing past your body’s limits, you may get a range of abnormal sensations like pain, pins and needles, or a sense of apprehension. These warning signs come when a joint is being pushed to the brink of damage or dislocation. Yoga is supposed to feel good. Trust your body’s sensations!

  1. Yoga makes your core stronger

Yoga is a great way to explore different movement combinations. For example, learning to maintain control of your pelvis while moving deep into a lunge is can create flexibility and fortify your core at the same time. Interestingly, strengthening your core can actually help reduce muscular tightness in another area. For example, working on stretching your hip flexors (the muscles that cross the front of the hip) can feel like an endless task. However, strengthening your abdominal wall with a neutral pelvis can actually help relax your hip flexors, thereby leading a stronger and more efficient body.

Breathing can also help you to strengthen your core. The diaphragm, your primary breathing muscle, is actually an intrinsic core muscle. Yoga’s focus on continuing to breath while you do movement can help you to strengthen your core complex. When you contract the pelvic floor while maintaining a flow of breath, the stabilizing muscles of your low back automatically fire. This combination of engagement can lead to gains in all aspects of your body.

  1. Yoga helps control muscle tension

It’s very common to hear that we hold tension in our body. It’s important to differentiate the words “tight” and “tense.” Being tight is a physical state of muscle shortening. However, being tense is actually a behaviour. Often stretching a tense muscle leads to no real gains and sometimes can lead to further tightening. Getting into the proper mindset of being present, breathing full breaths, and clearing your mind of distractions are all helpful in solving tension issues. One of my greatest lessons from yoga is being told that Savasana is the hardest pose in yoga! Simplifying all your thoughts to just yoga while you’re on a mat is hard. Yet letting go of distracting thoughts is essential when trying to relief muscle tension. All the more reason to consider the state of your mind and your focus the next time you are working through a stretch.

Yoga can undoubtedly be great tool to improve the health of your back. But like any other form of exercise, it’s important to know your body well enough so that you can work effectively and avoid injuries. A balance of challenging your flexibility and strength limits with listening to your body’s signals can lead to amazing results.

Yoga and Ayurveda: Synergy for Harmony

Yoga was introduced to the West in late 19th century and has been since eagerly adopted by a very receptive audience. Despite the huge popularity of yoga, its medicinal counterpart Ayurveda, was left behind. Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary practices that share a close relationship, so much that they are often described as two sides of the same coin.

Both these sciences with their origin in the ancient Vedic texts address the human body. If Yoga deals with the holistic wellness aspect of the Vedic teachings, Ayurveda is the healing aspect. Combined, they emphasize a comprehensive approach to the overall well being of the body, mind and spirit.

Common Ground

Both Yoga and Ayurveda share the common basic principles: the focus on the well being of an individual in both body and mind with the aim of helping one reconnect with their true self. While yoga trains the body and mind for the supreme enlightenment and liberation, Ayurveda deals with the various aspects that a body can be internally revitalized. Both these disciplines emphasize the close relationship and modify the interactions that humans have with their environment, in order to achieve harmony in the truest sense.

Benefits of Ayurveda

In the modern age, yoga is perceived as consisting of asanas (postures) and dhyana (meditation) – a mere exercise regimen to keep the body fit and nimble. People get drawn to yoga as a way to improve fitness even though the essence of yoga is to clear and settle the mind in order to develop a deeper mind-body connection and heighten awareness. A calm mind not affected by stress, results in a healthy body and a greater bond with one’s pure inner self.

In a similar manner, Ayurveda brings with it the knowledge of keeping the physical body healthy through external nourishment and augmentation.

A Customized Approach

Ayurveda sees each individual as unique and one’s journey toward perfect well being as a unique path. Hence, there is no common approach and that which is appropriate for an individual is unique to that person alone. This concept is remarkable in that Ayurveda prescribes unique, tailored programs for each individual based upon his/her constitution, physical condition and the nature of any instability, avoiding the “one size-fits all” concept that is common in other systems of healing.

Ayurveda is based on analysis and diagnosis of the needs and appropriate requirements of the individual – that may not be for others – in fulfilling the needs to develop complete harmony. This could be based on a person’s unique genetic heritage or constitution. An individual’s constitution defines a person at the most fundamental level. Ayurveda does not comply with the one common treatment for all concept, but subscribes to the philosophy that “everything is right for someone, while nothing is right for everyone.”

Along with the diet, medication, supplements, aromas, etc, Ayurveda also sheds light on the specific yoga asanas that are best suited for an individual based on his/her constitution. With an in-depth knowledge of Ayurveda, a yoga practitioner can fine-tune his/her practice to maintain their internal balance of energy.

With the awareness of one’s constitutional balance, an individual can practice suitable asanas to correct their imbalances and improve their overall health and well-being.

Advanced Benefits of Ayurveda

Ayurveda has been proved an effective treatment for multiple health conditions such as respiratory problems, rheumatism, blood pressure, diabetics, paralysis etc. This science of healing makes use of natural ingredients and non invasive therapy thus being highly curative and totally harmless at the same time.

One of the most effective procedures in Ayurveda that can be undertaken by everyone is the “Panchakarma” – the five step therapy. It is a management protocol for different diseases and health conditions that detoxifies the body, strengthens the immune system and restores the internal balance and well-being of the body.

The Panch Karma is considered to be the most radical and effective way to cleanse the body and eliminate disease. It removes the unhealthy elements from the body’s gross channels (GIT, respiratory tract) as well as at the most intricate levels (tissues, cell membranes etc.) It flushes the accumulated toxins, from the body through the conventional modes of elimination- via the sweat glands, intestines and urinary tract.

Practicing Ayurveda – the simple and modern way

  • Ayurveda emphasizes the value of sound sleep, as rest and recuperation is the foundation for dynamic activity. So go to sleep early, and avoid any distractions that might interrupt your blissful sleep. An average sleep of around 8 hours is necessary for a quality and deep rest.
  • Rising with the sun will give you ample time to devote to your morning ablutions, prepare a good, nourishing breakfast and plan the rest of the day. Most of all, it lets you time to enjoy the early morning calm.
  • Being with people whose company makes us feel happy and loved is akin to medicine: they help heal and restore. The simplest exercise that you can adopt is a walk outdoors with your partner, a friend or coworker – what Ayurveda considers a tridoshic (triple benefits) exercise: it combines light physical activity, personal interaction and an experience of the outdoors, thus calming the mind and nourishing the senses.
  • Drink lots of water. Water flushes out the accumulated toxins, while aiding the process of digestion. Water is an excellent healer and should be sipped throughout the day. Other recommended brews are warm milk and herbal tea.
  • Opt for fresh foods. Processed, frozen or packaged foods are hard to digest, are aged, denatured by processing, and can include harmful chemical preservatives as ingredients. They retain less of their natural nutrition, resulting in the creation of ama, or toxins that hinders our thought process and actions. Make an effort to have a fresh and warm lunch in a quiet atmosphere and focus on your food when you eat.
  • Take an occasional break wherever you are – Sit down and close your eyes and breathe deep. Disconnect from the external world and tune in to your own self. Rhythmic breathing increases the flow of oxygen and other vital nutrients to all organs. Even when done for a minute, you will feel rejuvenated with an instant sense of well-being.

Final Words

Ayurveda as a science and practice can bring benefits to all of us. Whether adopting the simple practices or going in for a full fledged therapy program, we get to purify our bodies and restore our inner balance. Combined with a regular regimen of yoga practice, we can achieve the ultimate harmony of body and nature.

What to Buy For your Yogi Friend This Holiday Season

Have a yogi friend that you want to do something special for?

I love Half Moon Yoga Products; I’ve been using their stuff for years. Great quality, competitive pricing (even better with the Rachel Yoga discount), and I love the company. Here’s a hit list for inspiration!

Mat

If your friend is getting serious about their practice and doesn’t yet have a mat, then this considerate gift will be one that keeps on giving for years. In general, mats can vary in durability and thickness. I like The Mighty Mat  ($80) is durable, PVC free, and sticky.  It comes with a lifetime guarantee, so this mat may be the only one that your friend needs. If you prefer a mat that isn’t so heavy, you can check out the Studio Mat ($35) which is a great budget option for lighter usage.

Meditation cushion

I bought my Half Moon meditation cushion ($75-$90) more than a decade ago and it has been a fast friend ever since. Super comfortable and durable, this cushion makes sitting on the floor and creating some sacred space so much easier. I use it to sit for evening meditation. Seeing it is also nice little visual reminder to get my butt down and take some quiet time. If your friend is exploring the quieter side of the practice, then this could be a great support.

Blocks

If your friend is starting yoga home practice and has a mat, the getting them a set of their own blocks ($15-$34) is an awesome idea. After a mat, blocks are the prop that everyone should have. Blocks help to support the student’s body in a variety of positions to make the poses both more challenging as well as more accessible. I prefer the thicker 4″ blocks to the 3″ blocks. Chip foam blocks are useful as a small meditation seat, under the head cushion, or knee support.

Blanket

One of my friends gave me a Half Moon blanket ($46-$118) for a birthday several years ago. Much to my surprise, I use it all the time. Obviously it can be used as a cover if I feel chill during meditation or Savasana, but I also use it to prop up my head, support my knees like a mini bolster, and use to lift my seat if I don’t have my meditation cushion. These blankets are super soft and cozy, it’s like being snuggled in a cloud. I have the natural cotton yoga blanket, and it’s wonderful, though you can get silk weaves if you’re looking for something very special. A blanket is a surprisingly versatile tool for the yogis who has the basics.

The Yummies

Eye Pillow

Eye pillows ($22-$44) are wonderful. By cutting out the light in the room, eye pillows help you to rest and restore more deeply. You don’t have to wait for Savasana to use them; pull them out anytime you need a supine rejuvenation. The weight of the pillow on the eyes feels very relaxing, and the delicately scented bags add a little aromatherapy to the experience.

Essential Oils

There’s something very sensual and nourishing about using essential oils. Not only is there a relaxing process of self care in applying oils, but the scents are crafted to help balance your nervous system. Half Moon has a great little kit of essential oils ($45) that address each doshas (personality type). When you feel anxious or ungrounded, you might apply the Vata oil (which will be calming). The Kapha oil is invigorating and reduces lethargy. The Pitta oil is cooling and pacifying. (Being an anxious gal, I basically want to take a bath in my Vata essential oil.) If your friend loves scents, this yoga aromatherapy choice will be a special gift.

Don’t see what you want? They’ve got more suggestions here. 

Best of all, you get a discount. Get 20% off your purchases when you use the promo code RACHEL2017.
Already a teacher? Get an additional 10% off (wow!) your 25% discount with this code: RACHEL2017TEACHER. 

Happy shopping!